2010-2011 - United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia

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Institute for Advanced Study in Asian Cultures and Theologies The Institute for Advanced Study in Asian Cultures and Theologies (IASACT) was first held in 2004, when a small group of scholars convened for a residential program of study, dialogue and reflection. “IASACT was set up as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange,” United Board Trustee and theologian Wai Ching (Angela) Wong recalls. It was designed to be “a venue for the facilitation and cross-fertilization of ideas, insights and perspectives from scholars of different disciplines and different countries.” Dr. Wong, a professor in the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, has been involved in IASACT since the program’s inception, and over the years has served as a faculty member, invited speaker and, most recently, as an advisory committee member. What is accomplished during the program’s annual five-week residential session? For scholars, it can be a rare opportunity to focus on research or writing, meaningful tasks that often get pushed aside by the day-to-day demands of teaching and administration. The interchange with peers can enhance this work, as the perspectives of other disciplines and cultures add new depth and texture to theological study. “No theological or cultural issue can stand alone and isolated from other areas of academic study or life,” Dr. Wong points out, “so different approaches can hopefully open up new areas of research and discussion that would not be possible when one is talking only to theologians.” The most recent IASACT gathering was held June 12 – July 16, 2011 at Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. 15 Asian scholars participated, representing institutions in China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Scholars find the five-week residential program to be both rigorous and relaxing, challenging and rewarding. “Through attending IASACT,” one participant reflected at the end of IASACT 2011, “I feel like I finished another master’s program in these five weeks.” 10—www.UnitedBoard.org
CONNECTING ACADEMIA TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES Sharing Knowledge and Developing New Skills 19 of the United Board’s partner institutions convened activities related to our current initiatives in Environment and Health, Interreligious Understanding and Peacebuilding, and Local Knowledge. More than 650 individuals, from 7 Asian countries, participated in these 27 capacitybuilding activities. Current Initiatives Faculty and students seek knowledge within academic institutions, but their spirit of inquiry also leads them to examine their place in the world and consider their responsibilities for the future. The United Board’s current initiatives – focusing on Local Knowledge, Environment and Health, and Interreligious Understanding and Peacebuilding – create opportunities for its partner institutions to engage in research in service to their communities. By linking teaching, learning action research and reflection, they promote the development of purpose and values as well as the pursuit of knowledge and skills. The interdisciplinary nature of these current initiatives also strengthens connections among academic departments, which brings new perspectives and tools to shared concerns. These three initiatives were launched in 2009. Each has included regional consultations to define objectives, workshops to build skills, and research projects that enable faculty and students to apply their knowledge in the field and directly engage with local communities. www.UnitedBoard.org — 11
Page 2 and 3: MISSION OF THE UNITED BOARD The Uni
Page 4 and 5: development. Our Asian University L
Page 6 and 7: Asian University Leaders Program Un
Page 8 and 9: United Board Fellows Program The Un
Page 10 and 11: Faculty Scholarship Program High qu
Page 14 and 15: Dr. Bai Zhihong Yunnan University (
Page 16 and 17: Environment and Health Initiative D
Page 18 and 19: Interreligious Understanding and Pe
Page 20 and 21: STRENGTHENING CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE
Page 22 and 23: WHERE WE WORK
Page 24 and 25: UNITED BOARD FRIENDS The United Boa
Page 26 and 27: GIVING TO THE UNITED BOARD The Unit
Page 28 and 29: PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS The individual
Page 30 and 31: Tharith Sriv Royal University of Ph
Page 32 and 33: DONORS The United Board is grateful
Page 34 and 35: Mrs. Maria C. Tanega Ms. Annie Gato
Page 36 and 37: In Honor of Sr. Mary John Mananzan
Page 38 and 39: UNITED BOARD TRUSTEES Dr. Ching-mai

2010-2011 - United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia

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